Sign in Subscribe
Pregnant women

Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy Does Not Increase Autism Risk

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent study conducted in Sweden involving 2.4 million children has found no evidence that paracetamol causes autism in pregnancy. The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have stated that patient safety is their top priority and there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Despite the lack of evidence, some pregnant women may still be concerned about the potential risks of paracetamol. It is essential to manage pain and fever during pregnancy to prevent complications for the unborn baby.

Key Takeaways:

  • A major study conducted in Sweden found no evidence that paracetamol causes autism in pregnancy, involving 2.4 million children.
  • The study was conducted by a team from the Karolinska Institute near Stockholm, which found no link between siblings exposed to paracetamol during pregnancy.
  • The largest study to date was conducted in Jama Psychiatry and found no evidence of a link between maternal paracetamol use and autism.
  • Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed, according to the MHRA.
  • Untreated pain and fever can pose real risks to the unborn baby, so it is crucial to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.
  • Patients should not swap to alternatives such as ibuprofen, as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally not recommended during pregnancy.
  • The MHRA will continue to monitor the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy and will take action when evidence shows a potential risk to patients.
  • Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.

Statistics:

  • 2.4 million children were part of the study conducted in Sweden,
  • 186,000 children were exposed to paracetamol during pregnancy in the study conducted in Jama Psychiatry,
  • The study in Jama Psychiatry was conducted over 25 years, from 1995 to 2019,
  • The MHRA receives over 500 reports of suspected side effects of medicines each day via the Yellow Card scheme.

Sources:

  • University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust,
  • Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA),
  • The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Read more